In Collaborative Law, the parties and their lawyers all agree that should the negotiations fall apart and the parties wish to proceed to court - they will do so with new lawyers. Additionally, each collaborative lawyer is required to withdraw upon becoming aware that his or her client is being less than fully honest, or is participating in the process in bad faith. Since all meetings with the collaborative team are confidential, discussions, disclosures or any concessions that may have been made during the four-way conferences cannot be used against either party in any subsequent court proceeding.

Because ending a marriage has emotional and economic consequences, as well as legal consequences, the parties may have trouble communicating and making decisions without the help of other professionals in addition to their lawyers. That is why collaborative lawyers often rely on an interdisciplinary team approach. This means that the parties may jointly hire personal coaches (generally a mental health professional), child specialists, and financial experts to assist in gathering information and problem-solving. The professionals working as part of the collaborative team share the belief that is in the parties and their families best interests to avoid litigation, and to settle differences fairly, honestly, and efficiently."